Would-Be Child Kidnapper to Face Court on Friday

NBC 7 reporter Artie Ojeda shares how the kidnapping of a six-year-old boy was averted when the would-be kidnapper needed a jump start on Tuesday night. (Published Saturday, July 8, 2017)

A man who allegedly tried to kidnap a 6-year-old boy in San Diego on the Fourth of July was caught in the act when his truck wouldn't start -- and he asked a neighbor for help with a jump.

The San Diego Police Department (SDPD) said the bizarre incident happened at around 11:45 p.m. as the victim and his family, who were visiting San Diego, were leaving a party along the 3600 block of Ontario Avenue in San Diego’s Fox Canyon community near City Heights.

The boy had walked out to his family’s car ahead of his parents and was waiting at the door.

Investigators said a suspect, now identified as Michael Mahurin, 52, had driven into the neighborhood in his truck. He saw the boy, got out of his truck and picked up the boy from behind. He put him in the front seat and allegedly told him to lie down and be quiet.

Would-Be Kidnapper Asks Boy's Family for Jump-Start

A man accused of trying to kidnap a 6-year-old boy in San Diego couldn't start his car while trying to drive away with the boy, so he asked the victim's family for a jump. While helping the suspect, the boy's family realized the boy was in the car.

(Published Wednesday, July 5, 2017)

When the would-be kidnapper tried to drive away, his truck's engine failed.

Police said Mahurin asked a neighbor for help jump-starting his truck. Not realizing the kidnapping victim was inside, the neighbor offered jumper cables and began to help Mahurin.

“It’s pretty scary, pretty scary to know that kids are outside by themselves sometimes,” Ligon said. “We’ve really never had an incident like this in this neighborhood, so it’s pretty new and pretty scary, and pretty alarming.”

Mahurin was booked into San Diego Central Jail; he's due in court Friday.

Editor's Note: At Friday's court appearance, NBC 7 learned no kidnapping charges will be filed against Mahurin. Investigators do not believe he tried to kidnap the boy. Mahurin was arrested on an outstanding warrant. NBC 7 has removed his photo from this story, as he is not being charged with the kidnapping crime.